From 1 April this year, more Hibiscus Coast drivers have been paying Road User Charges (RUC), and the Government has now confirmed rates, exemptions, and a major shake-up for how we pay for roads.

Light diesel vehicles and electric cars now pay $76 per 1000 km.

Plug-in hybrids pay $38 per 1000 km to avoid double-charging, as they also pay fuel tax when using petrol.

Rates for heavier vehicles start at $82 per 1000 km and rise to $352 depending on weight and axle count.

Heavy electric trucks and buses remain exempt until 30 June 2027.

Buying a RUC licence costs an extra $12.44 online or $13.71 in person each time, on top of the per-kilometre charge.

The biggest change is yet to come.

The Government plans to scrap the petrol tax by 2027 and move all vehicles – petrol, diesel, hybrid, and electric – to an electronic, distance-and-weight-based RUC system.

This would replace paper licences with digital records, offer monthly billing, and allow charges like tolls to be combined on one account.

While officials say the shift will make road funding fairer, the AA and privacy groups have raised concerns about how location and travel data will be collected, stored, and used.

The Government says it will work with the Privacy Commissioner to ensure strong safeguards.

Until then, petrol-powered cars will keep paying fuel tax at the pump, but by 2027 every driver on the Hibiscus Coast will be paying RUC directly.

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